Leather
Renata is a designer and maker whose work combines originality with utility and traditional leatherworking techniques. She graduated from Cordwainers College at the London College of Fashion with a BA Hons in Design, Marketing, and Product Development in Footwear and Leather Accessories, and since 2004 she has been following an independent career under the label Renush.
About
Renata writes: ‘I’ve always had a passion for leather and a determination to be innovative. After graduating in Footwear and Accessories Design from Cordwainers College at the London College of Fashion, I started my own label with the object of usingthat grounding in traditional design and crafting as the basis for exploring what I could conceive of – and carry out – with this fantastic material. I have focussed on corsets, corset belts, chokers, necklaces, cuffs and small leather goods, trying at all times to stay original and ahead of the curve.
‘During my college years I became interested in the traditional technique of moulding, which in combination with vegetable tan leather provides endless possibilities for manipulating and sculpting the hide into different shapes. From this point I didn’t look back. I also began to dye the leather myself, which gave me the freedom to create the colour palette of my choice.
‘I believe very strongly in recycling second-hand materials, which as well as being environmentally sound adds a special dimension of history and memory to a piece, and I make use of every inch of the hide; there is no wastage as all off-cuts are saved and used in other pieces. Wherever possible I source my material from the UK, and all production is local – everything is made in my studio in Hove.